Deadly Air Strikes Hit Iraqi Military Base in Anbar, Baghdad Condemns 'Heinous Crime'

An air attack on a military base in Iraq's western Anbar province on Wednesday resulted in the deaths of seven fighters and wounded 13 others, according to Iraq's Ministry of Defence. The incident has been strongly denounced by Baghdad as a "heinous crime" amid escalating regional tensions.

Strikes Target Habbaniyah Base Healthcare Clinic

The Iraqi Ministry of Defence reported that the strikes specifically targeted the military healthcare clinic at the Habbaniyah base. The ministry labeled the attack a severe violation of "all international laws and norms."

An Iraqi police source informed Al Jazeera that the targeted positions belonged to the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), a paramilitary umbrella group in Iraq that includes Iran-aligned brigades. The PMF reportedly shares the base with units of the regular Iraqi army.

Baghdad Summons Envoys, Affirms Right to Respond

The Iraqi government has vociferously condemned the attack, which follows a similar deadly incident the day prior that killed 15 fighters, also blamed on the United States by the PMF. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's office indicated that Baghdad would summon both the Iranian and US ambassadors regarding the recent strikes.

Iraq's Defence Ministry reaffirmed the government's stance, granting the PMF the "right to respond" to any aggression against it. The ministry stated, "We reserve our full right to take all necessary measures to respond to this aggression within the established legal frameworks."

Escalation Amidst US-Israel War on Iran

The latest assault underscores Iraq's increasingly precarious position, as the nation finds itself drawn into the wider US-Israel conflict with Iran. Pro-Iran armed groups have consistently claimed responsibility for attacks on US interests within Iraq and the region since the conflict began on February 28.

The US Department of Defense has previously acknowledged conducting combat helicopter strikes against pro-Iran armed groups in Iraq during the current hostilities. Al Jazeera's Assed Baig, reporting from Baghdad, noted that these strikes represent "an escalation in terms of the PMF being targeted," suggesting Iraq is becoming a central "battlefield" between Iraqi armed factions and the United States.

Key Takeaways

  • Seven fighters were killed and 13 wounded in air strikes on a military base in Iraq's Anbar province.
  • Iraq's Ministry of Defence called the attack a "heinous crime" and a violation of international law.
  • The strikes reportedly targeted positions of the Iran-aligned Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF).
  • Iraq's government will summon US and Iranian ambassadors and has affirmed the PMF's "right to respond."
  • The incident is seen as an escalation within the broader US-Israel conflict with Iran, drawing Iraq further into regional tensions.
The Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) comprise various mostly Shia paramilitary units, many with close ties to Iran. While officially integrated into Iraq's security apparatus, their independent actions and allegiances frequently complicate Iraq's efforts to maintain neutrality amidst regional geopolitical struggles.